Jeju Air crash raises concerns over safety of regional airports

The deadly Dec. 29 Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport has raised concerns about the safety management at many regional airports, according to experts, Sunday. They warn that the construction of local airports without proper safety protocols, sufficient manpower, or adequate management could lead to similar accidents in the future. The efficiency, economic viability and safety measures of these airports must be thoroughly reassessed, even if it means delaying their opening, experts added. The aviation industry is expressing concerns over the struggles of underutilized airports, where low demand has resulted in inadequate budgets and poor management. This financial instability has created a vicious cycle, leading to chronic shortages of equipment and staff, which in turn further undermines operational efficiency and safety. At Muan Airport in South Jeolla Province, the site of the country’s deadliest aviation disaster, which claimed 179 lives, safety deficiencies are prevalent. Over the past six years, the airport has reported 10 bird strikes but lacks essential equipment, such as radar and thermal imaging devices. Additionally, only four staff members are tasked with bird control. Other regional airports face similar challenges. Yangyang International Airport in Gangwon Province operates without a control radar, while Ulsan Airport has a runway spanning only two kilometers — the shortest among domestic airports. Story has more.<br/>